Autumn Trips out of Cochin – Self Drive Road Trip
As the festivals come along and the end of the year inches closer, restless souls look for a nice breather away from the chaos of the city. Cochin is gifted with a particularly good location – the coastal attractions and mountain destinations are all within reach. With a self drive car rental, trips can be planned spontaneously and there is no dearth of places to go to. Here are some of the top autumn trip recommendations.
Munnar – Devikulam and Vagamon
The 130-km trip from Cochin to Munnar is a spectacular journey as one leaves the humid coastlines for the winding curves in the misty Nilgiris. Munnar is a town that combines colonial charm with its exquisite natural beauty. The tea gardens and the lofty peaks of the Nilgiris in the backdrop add to the legend of this town.
Devikulam is a little more secluded than the main town of Munnar, which is 8 kms away. A prime attraction here is the Sita Devi Lake. It is a wondrous location for photographers and couples looking for a romantic weekend. Fishing enthusiasts can also try their luck at trout fishing.Vagamon is another scenic town close to Munnar and can be explored in a day. Pastel green meadows and groves of pine dot the landscape and a landmark here is Kurishumala Ashram.
Wayanad
The highlands of Wayanad are an ideal getaway for people who love nature activities. It is a 260-km journey from Cochin. The petroglyphs of Edakal Caves have fascinated historians and anthropologists for generations. This area is ideal for a hike, just like a lot more places in Wayanad.
Visitors can also visit some parts of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and catch a glimpse of the pachyderm herds that roam these ranges. Chembra Peak and the gushing Soochipara Falls are some more natural attractions in Wayanad. The district is also famous for its toddy which needs to be consumed fresh.
Kumarakom
Another way to welcome the change of seasons is a trip to the famed backwaters of Kerala. A short 50-km away from Cochin is Kumarakom. The languid palms, the meandering currents of Lake Vembanad and the occasional sound of houseboats passing by, these are just some of the dreamy scenes that constitute a regular day here.
Travellers can also visit the nearby bird sanctuary and spot the different feathered denizens in the canopies and over the waters. Other attractions here include the Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall, and the Bay Island Museum, which houses a collection of sculptures carved from driftwood.
Choose Car Rentals
There are many reasons why rentals are becoming popular. They are affordable and provide an end to end transport solution – there is no dependence on public transport. Travellers have complete privacy and freedom, and also the extra space. For those looking for a self drive car rental Cochin offers the best choices. App-based Zoomcar makes booking easy and one can choose from the latest hatchbacks, sedans and SUVs.24/7 on-road support makes the journey even more convenient.